Posted under: Education, Games, Medical, Music, Psychology

Before starting work with a child with autism, it is important to look after yourself. The child with autism requires the adults around him to have a great deal of patience, understanding and energy to work effectively. Ensure that you:
• have had sufficient sleep
• are not feeling frustrated or on edge.

At the least, it is critical that you can behave in a calm and relaxed manner. This does not mean that you cannot express your feelings and emotions. They must, however, be related to the child and task at hand and not something extraneous to the situation.

Also, from a sensory point of view, it is best not to wear highly scented perfumes, deodorant or cosmetics as these may distract or irritate the child. The issue of body odors is also important in that halitosis (‘bad breath’) can stop some children with autism in their tracks.